4K YouTube Playback Support On Apple TV 4K Finally Begins Rolling Out

With the release of tvOS 14 we were told that we would be able to enjoy 4K YouTube content on our Apple TVs. But once the launch came around on September 16 the feature was AWOL with no explanation as to why.

Now, it seems that YouTube might be working to bring the feature online, eventually.

According to a report by Flatpanels HD and multiple people on Reddit, some YouTubers are now able to watch 4K content on YouTube via their Apple TV 4K. But it certainly isn’t available for everyone yet.

What’s more, the feature is limited even for those who can access it with no HDR support in place right now. Even worse, not all 4K videos will work, either, with only those recorded at 30fps working. Anything higher will default to 1440p.

At this time, Apple TV 4K supports YouTube videos in 4K resolution at up to 30fps frame rates. Videos in 50fps or 60fps drop to 1440p resolution.

Yes, Youtube (latest ver) is finally streaming in 4K in 14.2 (18K5036d) public beta (pic!) from appletv

The lack of HDR support is a problem and it’s surely something that will change in the future. We’d expect the same situation with 60fps video, too, although it could be a case of new Apple TV hardware being needed to make that happen.

Neither Apple nor YouTube has explained what is going on with the 4K HDR support here, but we’re hopeful this is a sign that things are at least moving in the right direction. Shout out in the comments below if you’re seeing 4K content in your YouTube app.

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